FIVE neighbours who were caught with various amounts of drugs in a house in Rush are to be given a chance to avoid a conviction if they come up with donations for charity.

Each man was found in possession of various amounts of cannabis herb ranging in value from €100 to €520 while Keyes was also in possession of €140 worth of cocaine.

Andrew Byrne, Austin Byrne and Murphy, of St Catherine's Way; Keyes, of St Catherine's Avenue; and Durnan, of Kenure Lawns, all Rush, pleaded guilty at Balbriggan District Court to being in possession of the drugs last September 12 at a house in St Catherine's Way.

Sgt Tony Tighe said the men admitted possessing the drugs but said they were for their own personal use.

The five, who do not have any previous convictions, apologised in court and said they will not do it again.

Judge Dermot Dempsey heard that the two Byrnes have children and asked them: "How would you feel if they started on cannabis like you and your buddies?"

He added that they "are not setting a good example" to their children.

He also told Murphy that he is a "young man with your whole life ahead of you".

He ordered that Murphy, who was in possession of €520 worth of cannabis herb, come up with €500 for charity; that Andrew Byrne, who had €140 of cannabis herb, Austin Byrne, who had €100 of cannabis herb and Durnan, who had €60 of cannabis herb, come up with €300 each for charity; and Keyes, who had €350 worth of cannabis herb and €150 of cocaine, come up with €500.

He said that if these donations are paid to charities by April 30 he will strike the charges out.

If the money is not paid by that date, he will convict and fine each man.